The Swedish Defence University is seeking applications for a postdoctoral position focusing on cyber defence and deterrence within the Department of Systems Science for Defence and Security in Stockholm. This internationally renowned institution specializes in defence, crisis management, and security, offering a unique environment where military and civilian researchers collaborate. The research area addresses the evolving field of cyber defence, with a particular emphasis on understanding the capabilities and limitations of cyber operations and their relationship to deterrence at strategic and operational levels.

Key research questions include whether cyber operations can deter adversaries from engaging in cyber or other domain operations, and how actions in other domains may influence cyber deterrence. The position encourages interdisciplinary approaches, including literature reviews, mathematical game theory, case studies, doctrinal analysis, experiments, and systematic comparisons with other deterrence domains such as nuclear deterrence. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research, disseminate findings in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and may participate in teaching and administrative tasks (up to 20%).

Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as computer science, mathematics, economics, political science, or international relations. Strong communication skills and fluency in English are required. Merits include publications on cyber defence, experience with game theory, military or policy-level cybersecurity experience, international relations practice, law and policymaking, and Swedish language skills. Priority is given to those who completed their doctorate within three years of the deadline, with exceptions for special circumstances.

The position is a two-year, full-time appointment with individually set salaries and benefits. Employment is subject to security clearance, and both Swedish and EU/NATO citizens are eligible to apply. The application deadline is March 4, 2026. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV with publications and doctorate date, a research plan, a description of relevant project participation, and up to 10 relevant publications via the university's recruitment system. For further information, contact Associate Professor Ulrik Franke or Head of Department Stefan Silfverskiöld.

Keywords: cyber defence, deterrence, systems science, security studies, game theory, international relations, military studies, policy, cybersecurity.